Author Topic: Overtime to fund hobbies?  (Read 3707 times)

pedostache

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Overtime to fund hobbies?
« on: October 25, 2014, 11:27:17 AM »
What are your thoughts about justifying a new snowboard hobby by doing a bunch of overtime ?  I'm pretty much an outdoors junkie and I have the opportunity to use a free board, boots, and I already have a ski jacket / cold gear. I also live within 30-45 minutes from resorts.

A season pass is looking to between $569 -800. Depending on how far and how crowded of a place I go to.

Right now I head up to the mountains at least 3 times a week to either mountain bike or trail run so I assume I'll be going up there at the same rate into the winter.

My plan is to work as much OT as possible to pay for the pass and expenses etc.  It will still increase the amount I put into retirement investments(matching 401k contributions) but I sort of feel guilty for not just putting OT money into savings, investments etc.

surfhb

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2014, 11:30:52 AM »
All depends on how much you make and if your hobby conflicts with your FIRE plans. 

Sure it will put off your retirement date a bit....are you ok with that?  :)

YoungInvestor

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2014, 02:06:00 PM »
I don't like putting money in different buckets like that. Your total income is X, are you fine with adding Y to your expenses?

What good is retiring early if you need to pass up on the stuff you obviously enjoy? I'd mych rather work one more year than not enjoy my hobbies, within reason of course, and 1000$/winter is within reason imo.

If it gives you a reason to do additional hours, it's all the better.

SailAway

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2014, 05:21:52 PM »
I do this. I often think of "extras" like vacations in terms of how many OT shifts I need to work to cover them. It's a mental trick but it makes working the extra hours more pleasant, and like you, a percentage of everything I make goes into my retirement. So I feel it's win-win.

Seņora Savings

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2014, 06:12:27 PM »
You are trying to trick yourself.  Which is fine, I do that sort of thing to figure out if I should make big purchases.  But in the end, it's money out compared to money in.

It sounds like you are mostly interested in outside winter exercising.  Why not try snowshoeing or cross country skiing?  I'm not saying don't spend money on lift tickets, just make sure that you're getting the most happiness for your dollar.  Even your overtime dollar.

swick

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2014, 09:54:43 AM »
Quote from: pedostache link=topic=25546.msg434309#msg434309 date=1414258037.
A season pass is looking to between $569 -800. Depending on how far and how crowded of a place I go to.
[/quote

Don't know how it works at your hill, but there are tons of opportunities at ours to get free season tickets for a couple hours a week volunteering (patrol, kinder care, rental shop, lessons etc) Or you might be able to do some freelance related to your job or hobby that you could trade for a pass. Never hurts to chat with the hill and find out if they would be open to an exchange.

stlbrah

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2014, 12:06:35 PM »
What are your thoughts about justifying a new snowboard hobby by doing a bunch of overtime ?  I'm pretty much an outdoors junkie and I have the opportunity to use a free board, boots, and I already have a ski jacket / cold gear. I also live within 30-45 minutes from resorts.

A season pass is looking to between $569 -800. Depending on how far and how crowded of a place I go to.

Right now I head up to the mountains at least 3 times a week to either mountain bike or trail run so I assume I'll be going up there at the same rate into the winter.

My plan is to work as much OT as possible to pay for the pass and expenses etc.  It will still increase the amount I put into retirement investments(matching 401k contributions) but I sort of feel guilty for not just putting OT money into savings, investments etc.

Can't agree with some other posters on this one. If this is a hobby you want to pursue it, then do it without question. Work the overtime if it is available and find good deals. You want to snowboard, it is not hookers and blow.

Grouping hobbies and outdoor activities (living your life) should not be considered the same as blowing money on unneeded material possessions. I find the adrenaline rush of a sport I enjoy to be one of the top reasons life is worth living.

I have some cynical friends that tell me that I am working my life away when i work some extra hours, but then when I am travelling or doing other things I want to pursue and living life on my own terms they are singing a different tune. Don't be one of those cynical friends.

Fuzz

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Re: Overtime to fund hobbies?
« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2014, 07:38:43 PM »
That's seems really reasonable for snowboarding in my opinion. I'd do it. I want mess around with working at the resort to save $500. I'd just hit the OT.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!